CONSTITUTION PHELINDABA LOCAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MAY 17, 2015 Version 1.0 (Final)
Proprietary and Confidential Material No part of this document may be reproduced by any means or transmitted without the written permission of PLFA. The information is considered privileged and confidential. This material includes rules descriptions of methodologies and concepts derived through substantial research and development efforts. Therefore, it is the position of PLFA that the use or release of the information contained in this document, for purposes other than references in managing football in the area of Phelindaba, is prohibited and the materials herein are not considered subject to release. All copies of this document should be returned to PLFA at the end of the life period of the document. 1
Document Identification Page Adoption history Revision Revision Date Revised By 1.00 6 July 2014 Sizwe Nkosi 2.00 17 May 2015 SGM Summary of Changes Conversion of Document from SAFA to an editable version, and highlighting points of discussion and debate in preparation for the SGM of the 27 th of July 2014. General Review by the Special General Meeting convened specifically for that purpose. Adoption history Version Adoption Date Adoption Occasion Summary of Changes 0.0 N/A N/A Draft (Not Adopted Yet) 1.0 17 May 2015 Special General Meeting General Review by the Special General Meeting convened specifically for that purpose. 2
PREAMBLE NOTING: that the first organized formation of football at National level was established in 1892; that the fragmentation in South African sport in general and football in particular, was caused by the policies of racial discrimination and apartheid; that the policies of racial discrimination and apartheid based on the ideology of white supremacy over people of colour created a situation of independent existence of the various football organizations against the wishes of the majority of the football family in the country. ACKNOWLEDGING the meaningful role played by heroes and heroines of our struggle against racialism and ethnicity, and the role of non-racial organizations in particular in their attempts to unify football in South Africa. REALISING the urgent need to fulfil the historic task of unifying the different football organizations in preparation for a united, democratic, indivisible and non-racial South Africa. the need to defend the democratic gains and to transform South African football to be in line with democratic values underpinning the South African Constitution and to be world class. RECOGNISING a non-racial society in which : - all people shall be equal before the law; there is no oppressive interference with the rights of individuals; athletes / players compete equally and fairly in football; 3
all shall have access to relevant, compulsory and equal education, adequate residential and recreational facilities in general and adequate housing in particular and have a universal franchise system determined by the will of the people; people enjoy the principles of democracy, accountability and transparency; all people enjoy freedom of association, freedom of movement, freedom of domicile, freedom to ownership of land, freedom to participate fully in the economy of the country and share in its wealth and live in peace, harmony and comfort. CONFIRMING the philosophy of non-racialism to be the guiding principle in the organization and in our endeavour to enhance unity, peace and harmony in sport in our country; that since unification of national football structures on 23 March 1991 and readmission to CAF and FIFA one National Football governing body was constituted; that the National Football Federation is part of South Africa having a new constitution which entrenches norm s and values of the civilised world and a Bill of Rights; Acknowledging that as the local structure which is part of a United non-racial, nonsexist and democratic country; that the aforementioned social conditions were and still are the fundamental requirements for the entry of South African sport into the international sporting community in general, and in respect of football in particular to the FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE de FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FIFA) and Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), Confederation of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) RESOLVING to constitute the members of the SOUTH AFRICAN SOCCER ASSOCIATION, SOUTH AFRICAN SOCCER FEDERATION, FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA and the SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL 4
ASSOCIATION into an indissoluble single organization under the SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION and under the constitution hereby established to promote and control Association Football in SOUTH AFRICA and to give effect to the ideas set out in this preamble. 5
Contents PREAMBLE... 3 DEFINITIONS... 9 1. NAME, HEADQUARTERS, LEGAL FORM... 12 2. AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION... 12 3. POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION... 14 4. NEUTRALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION... 16 5. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES AND POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION... 16 6. LAWS OF THE GAME... 16 7. PROMOTING FRIENDLY RELATIONS... 16 8. MEMBERSHIP... 16 9. REQUEST AND PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION... 18 10. MEMBERS' RIGHTS... 19 11. MEMBERS' OBLIGATIONS... 19 12. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS... 20 13. STATUS OF CLUBS, LEAGUES, AND MEMBERS... 21 14. PLAYERS... 21 15. BODIES OF PLFA... 21 16. CONGRESS... 21 17. ORDINARY CONGRESS... 22 18. ORDINARY CONGRESS AGENDA... 23 19. EXTRA-ORDINARY CONGRESS... 24 20. QUORUM OF THE CONGRESS... 25 21. CONGRESS AREAS OF AUTHORITY... 25 22. DECISIONS AND VOTES... 26 23. MINUTES... 26 24. HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS AND HONORARY MEMBERS... 27 25. EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE... 28 26. ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS... 28 27. MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE... 31 28. POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE... 32 29. DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE... 33 30. EMERGENCY COMMITTEE... 33 31. CHAIRPERSON... 34 6
32. SECRETARY... 34 33. REPRESENTATION AND SIGNATURE... 35 34. STANDING COMMITTEES... 35 35. FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT COMMITIEE... 36 36. LEAGUES AND COMPETITIONS COMMITIEE... 36 37. TECHNICAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE... 37 38. REFEREES COMMITTEE... 37 39. WOMEN'S FOOTBALLCOMMITTEE... 38 40. COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD... 38 41. AD HOC COMMITTEES AND SUB COMMITTEES... 39 42. JUDICIAL BODIES... 39 43. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE... 40 44. APPEALS... 40 45. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES... 40 46. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE... 41 47. VACANCY... 41 48. SUSPENSION... 42 49. RESIGNATION... 43 50. EXPULSION... 43 51. FINANCIAL MATTERS... 44 52. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS... 45 53. MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS... 46 54. SETTLEMENT... 46 55. LEVIES... 46 56. RIGHTS... 46 57. AUTHORISATION... 47 58. LOCAL MATCHES AND COMPETITIONS... 47 59. CONTACTS... 47 60. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION, REGULATIONS AND RULES... 47 61. APPROVAL... 48 62. UNFORESEEN CONTINGENCIESAND FORCEMAJEURE... 48 63. DISSOLUTION... 48 64. ENFORCEMENT... 49 65. INDEMNITY... 49 66. UNFORSEEN MATTERS AND FORCE MAJEURE... 49 7
67. RULES... 50 68. REVIEW AND RESCISSION... 50 69. NOTICES... 50 70. MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR... 51 71. ADOPTION OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS... 51 72. SIGNATURES... 52 8
DEFINITIONS In this Constitution, the Rules and Regulations, unless the context indicates otherwise, "Absolute majority": means more than half of the entire membership that is eligible and entitled to vote. The entire membership that is entitled to vote is calculated as one Member multiplied by three delegates (maximum representation) less delegates from Members who are not in good standing; "Ordinary Congress" : means the Ordinary Congress contemplated in Article 17 "ASSREC": means an Atteridgeville Saulsville Sports and Recreation Council, a body that controls sports within the jurisdiction of PLFA, of which PLFA is an affiliate thereof; "Associate Member": means an association that manages a one or more dimensions of football, but whose objectives are not competing with those of PLFA, as contemplated by Article 8.2; "Association Football": means the game controlled by FIFA and organized in accordance with the Laws of the Game; "CAF": means the Confederation Africaine de Football; "CAF Statutes" Or "Statutes of CAF": includes the statutes, rules and regulations of CAF; "Club" : means a football Club affiliated to the Association; "Congress" : means the supreme governing and legislative body of the Association; "Constitution" : means these Articles of Association; "Constitution of the Republic " : means the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 as amended from time to time; "Electoral Officer" means an appointed representative either from either SAFA Tshwane or ASSREC responsible for presiding over the elections of the Executive Committee members during the elective Congress referred to in Articles 26.7 26.10; "Emergency Committee": means the Emergency Committee contemplated by Article 30; "Executive office ": means a member of the Executive Committee; "FIFA" : means the Federation Internationale de Football Association ; 9
"IFAB": means the International Football Association Board; "Member": means a Club and include any Associate Member affiliated to the association; "Member in good standing": means a member which has complied with all obligations imposed upon members and as contemplated especially in Article 9 and Article 10 of this constitution; "office-bearer" : means a member of the Executive Committee; "Officials" : means any elected or appointed individual and includes all Executive Committee members, committee members, coaches, referees and attendants as well as any other person responsible for technical, medical and administrative matters at the association or Member; "Ordinary Courts": means courts of law established in terms of the laws of the Republic of South Africa and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa; "Player" : means any football player registered with the Association; "Regulations": means Regulations made in terms of the PLFA Constitution; "Rules" : means Rules made in term s of the PLFA Constitution; "S.A.S.C.O.C." : means the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee; "SAFA": means the South African Football Association; "SAFA Statutes" or "Statutes of SAFA": means the statutes, rules and regulations of SAFA; "PLFA Statutes" or "Statutes of PLFA": means the statutes, rules and regulations of PLFA; "Simple Majority" : means more than half of the eligible members who are present in a meeting, and who are entitled to vote. This is calculated by number of Members multiplied by one delegate (minimum representation) less delegates of Members who are not in good standing; "The League" : means a divisional competition of age groups competing for the entire season on a home and away bases, and where the leagues are Under 11 League, 10
Under 13 League, Under 15 League, Under 17 League, Under 19 League, Super League, and Promotional League for the males, as well as Under 15 League, Under 19 League and Super League for females. 11
1. NAME, HEADQUARTERS, LEGAL FORM 1.1. The Association hereby constituted shall be known as the Phelindaba Local Football Association and hereinafter referred to as PLFA. 1.2. In this Constitution, the Association is referred to as PLFA. 1.3. The flag of PLFA shall consist of PLFA logo. 1.4. The logo of PLFA shall be a portrayal of a football, symbol depicting the identity of Phelindaba and depiction of a SAFA emblem. 1.5. The flag, logo and abbreviation must legally registered in accordance with the Copyright and Trademarks laws of the Republic of South Africa. 1.6. The area of jurisdiction of PLFA shall be throughout the Atteridgeville, Saulsville, and Lotus in the west of Preroria. 1.7. The headquarters of PLFA shall be in decided upon by the Congress from time to time. 1.8. The date of incorporation of PLFA is 1 August 2006. 1.9. PLFA shall be a universitas with full legal personality including the rights to sue and be sued in its own name and to hold property in its own name. It is formed for an unlimited period of time. 1.10. No member or office-bearer of PLFA shall have any right to its assets nor incur any liability for its obligations. 1.11. it is recorded that PLFA is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) in accordance with the provisions of Section 30(3) of the Income Tax Act of 1962, as amended. 2. AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 2.1. PLFA shall have no other objectives save for the objectives provided for below and the funds it raises be employed exclusively in the promotion of such objectives. PLFA shall have the following aims and objectives: 2.1.1. to carry on the public benefit activity of administering, developing, coordinating and promoting the game of football in which the participants take part in accordance with the principles as laid down in the statutes of SAFA; 2.1.2. to improve the game of football constantly and promote, regulate and control it throughout its jurisdiction in accordance with the principles of fair 12
play and its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values, particularly through youth and development programmes; 2.1.3. to organise competitions in Association Football in all its forms, by defining precisely, as required, the areas of authority delegated to the various Members and Leagues of which it is composed; 2.1.4. to draw up regulations and provisions and to ensure their enforcement; 2.1.5. to protect the interests of its Members; 2.1.6. to respect and prevent any infringement of the Constitution, Regulations, Rules, Directives and Decisions of SAFA as well as the Laws of the Game and to ensure that these are also respected by its Members; 2.1.7. to prevent all methods or practices which might jeopardise the integrity of matches or competitions or give rise to abuse of Association Football; 2.1.8. to control and to supervise all football matches of all forms played throughout its jurisdiction; 2.1.9. to manage Local sporting relations connected with Association Football in all its forms; 2.1.10. to host competitions at Local level; 2.1.11. to settle disputes arising between members or bodies or persons connected directly or indirectly with football within its area of jurisdiction; 2.1.12. to raise and administer the funds of PLFA in such a manner as PLFA may deem advisable and in particular by means of subscriptions, donations and sponsorships; 2.1.13. to distribute monies to its members for the protection, promotion and advancement of amateur football; 2.1.14. to affiliate to SAFA and ASSREC; 2.1.15. to do all such things as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objective or any one of them ; 13
3. POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 3.1. PLFA shall have the full power and authority to do any act, matter or thing as may be required to give effect to the aims and objectives of PLFA as described herein, including, but not limited to the following powers:- 3.1.1. to engage staff on the basis of a policy of fair employment and equal opportunities; 3.1.2. to acquire assets and enter into commitments for the promotion of its aims and objectives; 3.1.3. to confer honours and awards on individuals, in recognition of their contribution to football in South Africa; 3.1.4. to grant practical and financial assistance to individuals and organisations in order to enable them to promote ideas and concepts consistent with the objects of PLFA; 3.1.5. to enter into donor funding arrangements with companies or individuals and to solicit and accept fees, donations, bequests, contributions, and subscriptions for the funds of PLFA, provided however that PLFA shall ensure that no donor will derive any monetary advantage from any monies paid to and on behalf of PLFA; 3.1.6. to take, lease, purchase or otherwise acquire premises, equipment, vehicles, furniture and other property or assets, whether movable or immovable which may be deemed necessary or convenient for any of the purposes of PLFA, and in order to provide suitable equipment, accommodation and football facilities; 3.1.7. to improve, manage, develop, exchange or lease, mortgage, sell, dispose of, turn to account and grant options, rights and privileges in respect of, or otherwise deal with, or any part of the property and rights of PLFA; 3.1.8. Subject to Article 51.8 below, to subscribe, grant subsidies out of, administer and invest the funds of PLFA in such manner as it may be deemed best to achieve the objects and purposes of PLFA; 3.1.9. to borrow, or raise money in such a manner as PLFA shall deem fit, and in particular to secure payment of any money borrowed by means of 14
mortgage, pledge, charge or lien to secure and guarantee the due performance by PLFA of any obligation or liability it may undertake; 3.1.10. to open and operate banking accounts and to draw, make, accept, endorse, sign, discount, execute, issue cheques, promissory notes, bills of exchange, bills of lading, warrants, debentures and other negotiable instruments; 3.1.11. to make rules which shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Constitution. The Rules of PLFA shall have the same force and effect as if they were incorporated in the Articles of the Constitution; 3.1.12. to select teams for Representative matches at all levels within its area of jurisdiction and to arrange tours and to sanction matches in and regulate the transfer of players to and from its jurisdiction; 3.1.13. to keep or cause to be kept, true accounts of all receipts, credits, payments, assets and liabilities of PLFA and all other matters necessary for showing the correct financial state of affairs of PLFA. The accounts shall be kept in such books and in such manner as the Executive Committee deems fit and to the satisfaction of the Auditors of PLFA; 3.1.14. to appoint auditors to audit annual accounts of PLFA; 3.1.15. to inquire into the administrative and/or financial affairs of Members, and, where necessary, to recommend corrective measures in this regard, and if these measures are not implemented to take over the administrative and/or financial affairs of the Member until these are placed on a satisfactory footing; 3.1.16. to appoint such sub-committees or commissions upon such terms as it may consider necessary to give effect to its powers; 3.1.17. to suspend, fine, terminate the membership of or otherwise deal with any Member, Club or individual affiliated to PLFA or any of its Members for infringing the Constitution, regulations, Rules, principles or resolutions of PLFA or for engaging in acts of misconduct, improper practices, misdemeanour, acts of defiance, or for bringing PLFA into disrepute. 15
4. NEUTRALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION 4.1. PLFA is neutral in matters of politics and religion. 4.2. Discrimination of any kind against any structure of SAFA, private person or group of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion. 5. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES AND POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 5.1. The official languages of PLFA shall be all the official languages in the locality. 5.2. Official documents and texts shall be written in English. 5.3. The official language at the Congress shall be English. 6. LAWS OF THE GAME 6.1. PLFA and its Members administer association football in compliance with the Laws of the Game issued by IFAB. Only IFAB may lay down and alter the Laws of the Game. 7. PROMOTING FRIENDLY RELATIONS 7.1. PLFA shall promote friendly relations between its Members, Clubs, Officials and Players and in society for humanitarian objectives. 7.2. Every person and organisation involved in the game of football is obliged to observe the Statutes, Regulations and the principles of fair play as well as the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship. 7.3. PLFA shall provide the necessary institutional means to resolve any internal dispute that may arise between Members, Clubs, Officials and Players affiliated to members of PLFA. 8. MEMBERSHIP 8.1. The Members of PLFA are the following: 16
8.1.1. Atteridgeville Juventus Football Club 8.1.2. Atteridgeville Young Zebras Football Club 8.1.3. Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club 8.1.4. Football Club Barcelona 8.1.5. Football Club PUBS 8.1.6. Heroes Football Club 8.1.7. Highlanders Football Club 8.1.8. Jacaranda Callies Football Club 8.1.9. Mighty Stars Football Club 8.1.10. Mountain Movers Football Club 8.1.11. Real Jabulani Football Club 8.1.12. Sabona Chelsea Football Club 8.1.13. SSS United Football Club 8.1.14. Supersport Tottenham Hotspur Academy 8.1.15. Ten Morgan City Football Club 8.1.16. The Bees Football Club 8.1.17. Young Tigers Football Club 8.1.18. Classic Football Club 8.1.19. KG Football Development 8.1.20. Vulture Football Club 8.1.21. Sammots Football Club 8.1.22. Power Stars Football Club 8.1.23. Limpopo Flying Stars Football Club 8.1.24. Future Masters Football Club 8.1.25. Tsibogang Lebone Football Club 8.1.26. Young Deers Football Club 8.1.27. Deep Six Football Club 8.2. Associate Members: - 10.2.1 The following associations may be recognized as Associate Members: 8.2.1.1. South African School Football Association 8.2.1.2. Atteridgeville Football Legends 8.3. PLFA may, by a majority vote taken at Congress or Extra-Ordinary Congress convened, inter alia, for this purpose, grant associate membership status to any 17
other association operating at a Local level provided that no associate membership shall be granted to an association with the competing aims and objectives as PLFA. 8.4. PLFA may, by a two-thirds majority vote taken solely for this purpose, withdraw its recognition of any associate member in which event the relevant association will cease, forthwith, to be an associate member of PLFA. 9. REQUEST AND PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION 9.1. The procedure for admission of members may be regulated by special regulations approved by the Executive Committee of PLFA 9.2. The application must be in writing and accompanied by the following mandatory items: 9.2.1. a copy of its legally valid Constitution and Regulations; 9.2.2. a declaration that it will always comply with the Constitution, Regulations, Rules, Directives and decisions of PLFA and ensure that these are also respected by its own Members, Officials and Players; 9.2.3. a declaration that it will comply with the Laws of the Game in force; 9.2.4. a declaration that it recognises the judicial bodies of PLFA and SAFA Tshwane as specified in this Constitution; 9.2.5. a declaration that it is located and registered in the jurisdiction of PLFA. 9.2.6. a declaration that it will play all official home matches in the territory of PLFA; 9.2.7. a list of Officials, specifying those who are authorised signatories with the right to enter into legally binding agreements with third parties; 9.2.8. a declaration that it undertakes to organise or participate in friendly matches only with the prior written consent of PLFA; 9.2.9. a copy of the minutes of its last congress or constitutional meeting; 9.3. This article shall also affect the status of existing members, who shall be at the directive of the Executive Committee, comply there-with as if they are new members. 18
9.4. The Executive Committee shall request the Congress at its sole discretion either to admit or not to admit an applicant. The applicant may state the reasons for its application to the Congress. 9.5. The new Member shall acquire membership rights and duties as soon as it has been admitted. Its delegates are eligible to vote and be elected with immediate effect. 10. MEMBERS' RIGHTS 10.1. The Members of PLFA have the following right s: 10.1.1. to take part in the Congress of PLFA, to know its agenda in advance, to be called to the Congress within the prescribed time and to exercise their voting rights; 10.1.2. to draw up proposals for inclusion in the agenda of the Congress; 10.1.3. to nominate candidates for all bodies of PLFA to be elected; 10.1.4. to be informed of the affairs of PLFA through the official bodies of PLFA; 10.1.5. to take part in competitions and/or other sports activities organised by PLFA; 10.1.6. to exercise all other rights arising from the Constitution, Regulations and Rules of PLFA. 10.2. The exercise of these rights is subject to other provisions in this Constitution, Regulations and Rules. 11. MEMBERS' OBLIGATIONS 11.1. The Members of PLFA have the following obligations: 11.1.1. To comply fully with the Constitution, Regulations, Rules, Directives and Decisions of PLFA and SAFA Tshwane at all times and to ensure that these are also respected by its members; 11.1.2. To ensure the election of its decision-making bodies; 11.1.3. To take part in competitions and other sports activities organised by PLFA; 11.1.4. To pay their membership subscriptions; 19
11.1.5. To respect the Laws of the Game as effected by PLFA and to ensure that these are also respected by its members through a provision in the Constitution of such a member; 11.1.6. to adopt a clause in its constitution specifying that any dispute requiring adjudication involving itself or one of its members and relating to the Constitution, Regulations, Rules, Directives and Decisions of the Member and PLFA shall come solely under the jurisdiction of the appropriate dispute resolution body as contemplated in this Constitution and that any recourse to ordinary Courts is prohibited subject to Article 46; 11.1.7. to communicate to PLFA any amendment of its Constitution, Regulates, Rules and Directives as well as the list of its Officials or persons who are authorised signatories with the right to enter into legally binding agreements with third parties; 11.1.8. not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities that are not recognised by PLFA or with Members that have been suspended or expelled; 11.1.9. to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and good sporting behaviour as an expression of fair play through a statutory provision; 11.1.10. to observe the mandatory items specified under Article 9.2 for the duration of their affiliation; 11.1.11. to administer a register of members which shall be regularly updated and make such register available to PLFA at all times; 11.1.12. to comply fully with all other duties arising from the Constitution and other regulations of PLFA and SAFA Tshwane. 11.2. Violation of the above-mentioned obligations by any Member may lead to sanction provided for in this Constitution. 12. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS 12.1. The Members and Officials of PLFA must observe the Constitution, Regulations, Rules, Directives, Decisions and the Code of Ethics of the association in their activities. 20
13. STATUS OF CLUBS, LEAGUES, AND MEMBERS 13.1. No natural or legal person shall exercise control over more than one Club. 13.2. Members shall be subordinate to PLFA and must comply with this constitution, Regulations, Rules and any directive issued by PLFA. 13.3. No amendments to the Constitution of any member shall be of any force and effect until the Executive Committee of PLFA has ratified it. 14. PLAYERS 14.1. The status of Players and the provisions for their transfer shall be regulated by the Executive Committee of PLFA in accordance with the Regulations of PLFA. 14.2. Players shall be registered in accordance with the regulations of PLFA. 15. BODIES OF PLFA The bodies of PLFA shall be the following: 15.1. Congress which is the supreme and legislative body of PLFA. 15.2. The Executive Committee which is the executive body of PLFA. 15.3. The Emergency Committee contemplated in article 30 below. 15.4. Standing and ad-hoc committees shall advise and assist the Executive Committee in fulfilling its duties. 15.5. The Office which is the administrative function of PLFA. 15.6. The judicial body is the Disciplinary Committee. 15.7. The bodies of PLFA shall be either elected or appointed by PLFA itself without any external influence and in accordance with the procedures described in this Constitution. 16. CONGRESS Definition and composition of the Congress 21
16.1. The Congress represents the supreme and legislative authority of PLFA. It is the meeting at which all the Members of PLFA formally convene. Only a Congress that is properly convened has the authority to make decisions. 16.2. A Congress may be an Ordinary or Extra-Ordinary Congress. 16.3. The Chairperson shall conduct the Congress business in compliance with the standing orders of the Congress. 16.4. The Congress may appoint observers who take part in the Congress without the right to debate or to vote. 16.5. The Honorary Chairpersons or Honorary members may take part in the Congress. They may join the debates but are not entitled to vote. 17. ORDINARY CONGRESS 17.1. The Ordinary Congress shall be held once a year. 17.2. The Secretary shall, by approved method, give all Members at least thirty (30) days advance notice of the date of the Ordinary Congress, which date shall be determined by the Executive Committee and shall ordinarily be a date between 1 January and 31 March. 17.3. if, by 28 (or 29 in case of a Leap Year) February in any year, no date for an Ordinary Congress has been fixed by the Executive Committee, any Member may by written notice to the Secretary nominate a date for the Ordinary Congress no less than 45 days away, and the Executive Committee shall convene the Ordinary Congress for the date nominated in the first such notice it receives. 17.4. The Secretary shall draw up the agenda based on proposals from the Executive Committee and the Members. Any proposal that a Member wishes to submit to the Congress shall be sent to the Secretary in writing, with a brief explanation, at least thirty (30) days before the date of Congress. 17.5. Motions to an Ordinary Congress shall be submitted to the Secretary of PLFA in writing per approved method of delivery not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of such Ordinary Congress. The Secretary of PLFA shall circulate all motions submitted to him / her together with the agenda for the Meeting and the audited financial statements of PLFA to all Members using the approved 22
method of delivery not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the Ordinary Congress. 17.6. Members must forward in writing to the Secretary the names of the delegates who will represent them at the Ordinary Congress. Unless such confirmation is received by the Secretary at least seven (7) days before the meeting, the delegates in question will not be accredited and will not be entitled to participate in the meeting; 17.7. Each member may be represented by at least one and at most three delegates at the Ordinary Congress. 17.8. The Ordinary Congress may on good cause shown condone any noncompliance with the time limits set out in this Article. 17.9. All delegates of Members in good standing shall be entitled to speak at any Congress of PLFA; 17.10. Delegates appointed by each Member in good standing, if present, shall be entitled to vote. 18. ORDINARY CONGRESS AGENDA 18.1. The following business will be considered at each Ordinary Congress:- 18.1.1. The Congress agenda shall include the following mandatory items: a) a declaration that the Ordinary Congress has been convened and composed in compliance with the Constitution of PLFA; b) approval of the agenda; c) an address by the Chairperson; d) suspension or expulsion of Members (if applicable); e) dismissal of a Member or a person (if applicable); f) approval of the minutes of the preceding Ordinary Congress; g) Executive Committees activity report (containing the activities since the last Ordinary Congress); h) presentation of the consolidated and revised balanced sheet and profit and loss statement for the previous Financial Year. i) consider and adopt the Accounts, Audited Balance sheet and reports of the Auditors for the previous Financial Year (Financial Statement); 23
j) approval of the budget of the current Financial Year k) admission for membership (if applicable); l) votes on proposals for amendments to the Constitution, Regulations, and the Rules of the Congress (if applicable); m) appointment of independent auditors (if applicable) upon the proposal of the Executive Committee; n) election of the members of the Executive Committee (if applicable); o) any further items proposed by the Members of the Executive Committee (if applicable) 18.1.2. The agenda of an Ordinary Congress may be altered, provided two-thirds (2/3) of the Members present at the Congress and eligible to vote, agree to such a motion. 18.1.3. The Congress shall not make a decision on any point not included in the agenda. 19. EXTRA-ORDINARY CONGRESS 19.1. The Executive Committee may convene an Extra-Ordinary Congress at any time, however, at minimum, an Extra-Ordinary Congress must be held once a quarter at least three times per annum. 19.2. In addition to the above, the Executive Committee shall convene an Extra- Ordinary Congress if one third (1/3) of the members of PLFA make such a request in writing. The request shall specify the items for the agenda. An Extra- Ordinary Congress shall be held within 45 days of receipt of the request. If an Extra-Ordinary Congress is not convened, the Members who requested it may convene the Congress themselves. As a last resort, the Members may request assistance from SAFA Tshwane. 19.3. The Members shall be notified of the place, date and agenda at least 30 calendar days before the date of an Extra-Ordinary Congress. 19.4. When an Extra-Ordinary Congress is convened on the initiative of the Executive Committee, it must draw up the agenda. When an Extra-Ordinary Congress is convened upon the request of Members, the agenda must contain the points raised by those members. 24
19.5. The agenda of the Extra-Ordinary Congress may not be altered. 20. QUORUM OF THE CONGRESS 20.1. A Quorum of the Congress shall be 50% plus 1 of the Members who are in good standing, where representation of the member is counted once regardless of the number of delegates present, and where either the Chairperson or any of the Vice-Chairpersons is present to chair the Congress. 20.2. In the event of a quorum not being present sixty (60) minutes after a proposed time of commencement of the Congress, the Congress will be postponed the same day until one (1) week later, and at such postponed date whoever shall be present shall then constitute a quorum and the Congress will proceed. 20.3. A quorum is not required for the postponed meeting unless any item on the agenda proposes the amendment of the PLFA constitution or the election of the any member of the Executive Committee, the expulsion of a Member of PLFA or the dissolution of PLFA. 21. CONGRESS AREAS OF AUTHORITY The Congress has the following authority: 21.1. adopting or amending the Constitution, Regulations, and the Rules of PLFA; 21.2. approving the Minutes of the last meeting; 21.3. electing the Executive Committee; 21.4. approving the financial statements; 21.5. approving the budget; 21.6. approving the Executive Committee report; 21.7. appointing the independent auditors; 21.8. fixing the membership subscriptions; 21.9. deciding whether to confer the title of Honorary Chairperson or Honorary member upon any person; 21.10. admitting, suspending or expelling a Member; 21.11. revoking the mandate of one or a number of members of a body of PLFA; 21.12. dissolving PLFA; 25
21.13. passing decisions at the request of a Member in accordance with this Constitution. 22. DECISIONS AND VOTES 22.1. Unless otherwise stipulated in this Constitution, a simple majority of the accredited Members in good standing who are entitled to vote is sufficient for a vote to be valid. The number of valid votes counted shall decide the majority. Abstentions are disregarded in calculating the majority. 22.2. A decision that requires a vote shall be reached by a show of hands. In the event that voting by a show of hands does not result in a clear majority in favour of a motion, the vote shall be taken by calling the roll in alphabetical order. 22.3. Each Member shall be entitled to three (3) delegates and one vote per each delegate. 22.4. Each Associate member shall be entitled to one (1) delegate to exercise their one (1) vote. 22.5. Members are entitled to abstaining from casting their votes. 22.6. Only accredited delegates present are entitled to vote. Voting by proxy or by letter is not permitted. 22.7. The members of the Executive Committee may participate in the Congress and are not entitled to vote. 22.8. During their terms of office, members of the Executive Committee may not be appointed as delegates for their Clubs or any other Member of PLFA. 22.9. Decisions passed by the Ordinary Congress shall come into effect for the Members immediately after the close of the Congress, unless the Congress fixes another date for a decision to take effect. 23. MINUTES 23.1. The Secretary shall be responsible to oversee the recording and the preparation of the minutes at the Congress. 23.2. The Secretary shall distribute the minutes of the Congress within 15 (fifteen) days after the date of the Ordinary Congress, Extra-Ordinary Congress, Executive Committee. 26
23.3. The Secretary shall distribute the minutes of the Executive Committee within 7 (seven) days after the date of the Executive Committee meeting. 23.4. The Secretary shall ensure that all the Committees, Forums and Task Teams of the association have the necessary capacity to record and prepare the meetings there-of. 23.5. The Secretary shall establish and maintain a repository of all the minutes of the association, and ensure that the correct level of access is given to the correct Members to such minutes. 23.6. The following shall be the distribution period of the minutes of the meetings held and follows: 23.6.1. Minutes of the weekly meetings shall be distributed 3 (three) days after the meeting; 23.6.2. Minutes of the bi-monthly meetings shall be distributed 7 (seven) days after the meeting; 23.6.3. Minutes of the monthly meetings shall be distributed 7 (seven) days after the meeting; 23.6.4. Minutes of the quarterly meetings shall be distributed 15 (fifteen) days after the meeting; 23.6.5. Minutes of the ad hoc meetings shall be distributed 3 (three) days after the meeting; 23.7. The distribution of the minutes shall be by an approved method from time to time. 24. HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS AND HONORARY MEMBERS 24.1. The Congress may confer the titles of Honorary Chairperson or Honorary Member upon a person or persons who has/have rendered meritorious service to PLFA. 24.2. The Executive Committee shall make these nominations. 24.3. The Honorary Chairperson or Honorary Member may attend and participate in Congress. They may participate in the debates but are not entitled to vote. 24.4. The Honorary Members shall not be obliged to attend meetings of the Executive Committee. 27
25. EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE 25.1. The Executive Committee shall consists of the following members: 25.1.1. the Chairperson; 25.1.2. Three (3) Vice-Chairpersons, where at least one Vice-Chairperson will be female, 25.1.3. Secretary, 25.1.4. Vice Secretary, 25.1.5. Treasurer, 25.1.6. Two additional Members, one of whom will be Head of Referees, and one of whom will be Head of Coaches; 25.1.7. one (1) representative from all Associate Members combined, if there is any. 25.2. The mandate of the members of the Executive Committee is for four (4) years. They may be re-elected. 25.3. The members of the Executive Committee shall: 25.3.1. have been active in football; 25.3.2. not have been previously found guilty of a criminal offence and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine; and 25.3.3. Have membership of the affiliate of the association, which is in good standing. 25.4. A member of the Executive Committee may not at the same time be a member of a judicial body of PLFA. 26. ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS 26.1. Subject to the provisions of this Article, the election of office-bearers shall be by vote of accredited delegates and office-bearers present at a Congress of PLFA. 26.2. Any person shall be eligible for election as a member of the Executive Committee provided that such person is nominated by a member in good standing and complies with the eligibility provisions. 28
26.3. Any Member in good standing shall be entitled to submit nominations for the position of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Vice Secretary, Treasurer and the Additional Members (including Associate Member Representative to the Executive Committee) for election to the Executive Committee. 26.4. Fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the elective Congress the Secretary shall distribute nomination forms to Members per approved mode of delivery. 26.5. Members shall submit the original nomination forms either by approved mode of delivery to PLFA's Office such that they are received at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the elective Congress. The closing date and time shall be specified in a circular distributed by the Secretary with the nomination forms. 26.6. No nomination form will be accepted by PLFA unless:- 26.6.1. The nomination form is signed by the Chairperson and the Secretary of the Member submitting the nomination; and 26.6.2. The nominee has submitted to the Office of PLFA his/her signed acceptance of the nomination on the form provided for this purpose, and this signed acceptance has been received by the Office of PLFA at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the elective Congress. 26.7. The onus shall be on the Member concerned to ensure that nominations and acceptances are received by the Office of SAFA Tshwane, or the Office of ASSREC, whichever is appointed for this task, on or before the closing date. 26.8. Within four (4) days after the closing date for nominations, the SAFA Tshwane or ASSREC appointed Electoral Officer shall submit a list of those persons duly nominated to the Secretary who shall forward the list to the Executive Committee for information and noting. The original nomination forms shall be retained by the appointed Electoral Officer. 26.9. Within two (2) days of receipt of nominations from the appointed Electoral Officer, the Secretary shall send the list of nominations as received from the Electoral Officer and noted by the Executive Committee to all Members. 26.10. The Electoral Officer will conduct the elections in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. 26.11. Should there be fewer nominations for a post than there are vacancies to be filled nominations may be made from the floor. In such event no nomination will 29
be accepted unless the nominee in question is present at the elective Congress and indicates his/her willingness to accept nomination. 26.12. The first person to be elected shall be the Chairperson. For the election of the Chairperson, 2/3 of the votes recorded and valid are necessary. If there are more than two candidates, the candidate that obtains the lowest number of votes is eliminated from the second ballot until only two candidates are left, and the successful candidate is elected by 2/3 of the votes. 26.13. Following the election of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall then be elected. Should only two (2) nomination be received, both candidates shall be declared duly elected as 1 st and 2 nd Vice-Chairpersons, where the most number of nominations shall decide the 1 st Voce-Chairperson. Should more than two (2) nominations for this position be received, then such elections will be determined by means of a ballot with the candidates polling the most number of votes elected to the position of Vice-Chairpersons, and where the two candidates with the highest number of votes shall be declared duly elected, and where the highest number of votes will determine the 1 st Vice-Chairperson. In case of a tie, the highest number of nominations will determine the 1 st Vice- Chairperson. If still a tie, a second round of voting will be conducted to determine the 1 st Vice-Chairperson until such a determination can be made. 26.14. Following the election of the 1 st and 2 nd Vice-Chairpersons, the 3 rd Vice Chairperson, who must be female shall be elected. Should only one (1) nomination be received, the candidate shall be declared duly elected. Should more than one (1) nomination for the position be received, then such elections will be determined by means of a ballot with the candidate polling the most number of votes elected to the position of 3 rd Vice Chairperson. 26.15. Following the election of the 3 rd Vice-Chairperson, the Secretary, Vice- Secretary, the Treasurer, the Additional Member in charge of Referees, the Additional Member in charge of Coaches and one Representative of the Associate Members then shall be elected. Should only one (1) nomination be received for each position, the candidate shall be declared duly elected. Should more than one (1) nomination for the position be received, then such elections will be determined by means of a ballot with the candidate polling the most number of votes elected to the position of Secretary, Vice Secretary Treasurer, 30
the Additional Member in charge of Coaches and one Representative of the Associate Members respectively. 26.16. Following the completion of the election of the Executive Committee members, the Electoral Officer shall announce me names of the members of the Executive Committee. 26.17. Thereafter the Secretary shall be announced by the Chairperson if one has been appointed by Executive Committee on such terms and conditions agreed upon in line with Labour laws of South Africa. In cases where there is no such appointment, the Executive Committee will advertise the post and appoint the incumbent on such terms and conditions agreed upon. 26.18. Should any dispute relating to an election arise during the meeting, the Electoral Officer shall rule thereon, and his/her ruling shall be final and may not be challenged by any candidate, delegate or Member. 26.19. Subject to the provisions of this Article, Office Bearers hold office until their successors have been elected at an elective Congress. 27. MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE 27.1. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month on dates and venues agreed upon by the Executive Committee. 27.2. Should 50% of the Executive Committee members request a meeting, the Secretary shall convene it within seven (7) calendar days of such request. 27.3. The Chairperson may call for the meeting of the Executive Committee through the Secretary, of which the Secretary shall convene it within seven (7) calendar days of such request. 27.4. The Secretary shall compile the agenda in consultation with the Chairperson. Each member of the Executive Committee is entitled to propose items for inclusion in the agenda. The members of the Executive Committee must submit the items they wish to be included in the agenda for the meeting to the Secretary at least four (4) calendar days before the meeting. The agenda must be sent out to the members of the Executive Committee at least two (2) calendar days before the meeting. 31
27.5. The meetings of the Executive Committee shall not be held in public. The Executive Committee may, however, invite third parties to attend. Those third parties shall not have voting rights, and may only express an opinion with the permission of the Executive Committee. 27.6. The Executive Committee shall approve its own meetings calendar and those of the various standing and other committees appointed by the Executive Committee. 28. POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE The Executive Committee: 28.1. shall pass decisions on all cases that do not come within the sphere of responsibility of the Congress or are not exclusively reserved for other bodies by law or under this Constitution; 28.2. shall prepare and convene the Ordinary and Extra-Ordinary Congresses of PLFA; 28.3. shall appoint the chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and members of the standing committees; 28.4. shall recommend to the Congress the chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and members of the judicial bodies; 28.5. may decide to set up ad-hoc committees, if necessary at any time; 28.6. shall compile the regulations for the organisation of standing committees and ad-hoc committees; 28.7. shall appoint or dismiss the Executive Officer; 28.8. shall propose the independent auditors to the Congress; 28.9. shall decide the place and dates of and the number of teams participating in the competitions of PLFA; 28.10. shall appoint the coaches for the representative teams and other technical staff including Heads of Delegation; 28.11. shall approve regulations stipulating how PLFA shall be organised internally; 28.12. shall ensure that the Constitution, Regulations, Rules and Directives are applied and adopt the executive arrangements required for their application; 32
28.13. may dismiss a person or body or suspend a Member of PLFA provisionally until the next Congress; 28.14. may suspend a Member of PLFA provisionally until the next Congress; 28.15. may recommend the expulsion of a person or body of a Member of PLFA to the Congress; 28.16. may delegate tasks arising out of its area of authority to other bodies of PLFA or third parties. 29. DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE 29.1. Executive Committee shall not engage in valid debate unless the absolute majority (50%+1) of its members are present. Once the Executive Committee meets the quorum at the commencement of the meeting, all decisions taken by the meeting shall be valid and binding. 29.2. The Executive Committee shall reach decisions by a simple majority of the members present. In the event of a tied vote, the Chairperson shall have the casting vote. Voting by proxy or by letter is not permitted. 29.3. Any member of the Executive Committee must withdraw from the debate and from taking a decision if there is any risk of a conflict of interests. The member will be excused from the meeting until the decision is made. 29.4. The decisions taken shall be recorded in the minutes. 29.5. The decisions taken by the Executive Committee shall come into effect immediately unless the Executive Committee decides otherwise. 30. EMERGENCY COMMITTEE 30.1. The Emergency Committee shall deal with all matters requiring immediate settlement between the meetings of the Executive Committee. The Committee shall consist of the Chairperson of PLFA, the Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary, Vice-Secretary and Treasurer. 30.2. The Chairperson shall convene the Emergency Committee meetings. Such decisions shall have immediate legal effect. The Chairperson shall notify the Executive Committee immediately of the decisions passed by the Emergency Committee. 33